Monday, December 17, 2012

It is with great sadness that I write this blog. The tragedy at Sandy Point Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut has left a mark on my soul. My band "Midwest Kind, Bobbi and I send our heart felt prayers, condolences and huge amounts of love to the children, teachers, parents, the police, rescue workers and medical personnel, everyone who has been touched by this terrible terrible shooting. When darkness like this enters our lives, I always try to think of all the good people in the world who perform miracles everyday. American children's icon "Mr Rogers' said his Grandmother gave him some advice as a young boy- "when ever you're afraid, always look for the helpers". Very wise words because there are ALWAYS helpers, no matter where you are or who you are, there is always someone who wants to help you.

My band and I are taking it easy this month, having finished our shows for 2012. I am working on a new acoustic CD , which we hope to release sometime in 2013. We are very happy to announce we have a new drummer Jamie Taunton joining the band in February. The month of January will be completely acoustic, to give you all a taste of what you will be hearing on the acoustic CD. My lovely wife Bobbi Llewellyn will also be singing a couple of songs, which Im sure you will all enjoy.

We had an amazing tour in November, firstly visiting two new clubs- Canal House in Ohio and U Detroit Cafe in downtown Detroit, Michigan. Then it was the long drive south to Florida for the fabulous Riverhawk Music Festival, followed by the incredible Bradfordville Blues Club in Tallahassee. Then it was the newly renovated and extended Celtic Ray in Punta Gorda. WOW!!! what a fabulous venue- Kevin Doyle really has created a beautiful Irish Pub. Then we headed north like a YOYO to Bettendorf, Iowa for The Muddy Waters, another great listening room. We visited the very cool, Trouser Mouse in Missouri then another new club- Old Skoolz in Sioux Falls, South Dakota- another great find for our touring schedule. We played the Alamo in Springfield, Illinois and we were very tempted to go and see the new film "Lincoln". The Blues Society arranged a Blues in the Schools sponsorship so Bobbi and I presented our "Australian Didge-ucation" project for the all the kids at Montessori Children's House. It was such an uplifting and fun experience, we hope to return soon! We performed at BBs in St Louis, Missouri for Thanksgiving Eve to a large and very happening crowd. Our Thanksgiving dinner was spent at an "IHop", no Turkey but mmmmm it was yummy. We finished the week with some great shows at The Gas Lamp in Des Moines, The fabulous Zoo Bar in Lincoln, Nebraska then the legendary Byron's Bar in Pomeroy, Iowa. What a great way to end the tour and Drummer Scott Key's last show at our home away from home- Byrons.

Back in Michigan our final shows of the year were Carrick's House Concert and The Hamlin Pub. Carrick's House Concert- would have to been one of the best shows of the year. It was held in Craig & Nick Carrick's basement with ample seating and a full sound system. Pizza and other tasty treats were served free of charge. Gemma & Jesse opened the show with beautiful harmonies. We then followed with the full band with our former drummer Marc Dixon filling in. We had close to 70 people packed into the basement and it was an intense, hilarious, joyful and intimate concert. Such a wonderful way to end the year. Thank you Craig and Nick Carrick!!! And a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the year. We couldn't do what we do without you all.

Wishing you all Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Winter/ Summer Solstice. Peace, joy and abundance to us all. May 2013 be the best year yet!!!!